Western District of New York
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal grand jury indicts Jamestown couple on multiple drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Jensen Vazquez, 38, and Kylah Seiberg, 29, both of Jamestown NY, on charges of narcotics conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in August 2024, Vazquez, who is currently on federal supervised release, falsely informed his supervising probation officer that he was changing residences and moving into a room on Victoria Avenue in Jamestown, with another individual. Vazquez actually moved in with Seiberg. In the early morning hours of August 17, 2024, Jamestown Police received a 911 call requesting emergency assistance for a serious head injury at the Victoria Avenue residence. Paramedics found a victim laying in a pool of blood at the bottom of a staircase and appeared to have been shot. The investigation remains ongoing. The victim survived and told police that shortly before the shooting, an individual known as “Billy” purchased a firearm from Vazquez. Shortly after first responders arrived, officers found Vazquez coming down the stairs from an upper apartment. Officers also encountered Seiberg standing on the side porch. Vazquez claimed to police that his e-bike appeared to have been stolen, suggesting that the stolen e-bike was connected to the shooting.
Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at the Victoria Avenue residence, recovered the e-bike, quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and xylazine, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, handgun magazines and ammunition, Investigators also recovered a 9mm handgun from Seiberg’s vehicle, the same caliber as the bullet that shot the victim. Vazquez and Seiberg left the residence before completion of the search warrant, hiding out in Jamestown for two days before fleeing to Florida and remaining at large until September 3, 2024. After losing the keys to Seiberg’s vehicle in Florida, they stole another vehicle, driving it back to Jamestown.
On September 3, 2024, investigators received information that people were inside the Victoria Avenue residence. Officers arrived and encountered Seiberg, who was taken into custody. As they searched for Vazquez, Seiberg attempted to flee by climbing out of a second story window. When confronted by the uniformed officers, she climbed back inside the apartment and refused to go outside. Seiberg was eventually taken back into custody and Vazquez was later found hiding in the insulation in the attic. Investigators also recovered approximately 65 grams of fentanyl. Later, after complaining of stomach pain, Seiberg was treated at local hospital while in police custody, and was found to possess over seven grams of fentanyl in a plastic bag hidden inside of her body.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, and the United States Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy C. Englerth.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Falconer woman pleads guilty to sex trafficking and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Cora Waddington, 25, of Falconer, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and benefitting financially from trafficking in persons. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Maeve E. Huggins, who are handling the case, stated that between October and December 2022, Waddington conspired with Zaid Mendoza a/k/a Diamond, and Kelvin O. Thomas to conduct a sex trafficking operation utilizing two victims with drug addictions. Waddington, Mendoza, and Thomas provided shelter to the victims at a W. Main Street residence in Falconer, and provided them with food, clothing, and daily quantities of heroin and fentanyl in exchange for their performance of commercial sex acts for money. The proceeds went to Mendoza who then provided clothes, food, spending money, heroin, and methamphetamine to Waddington. The victims, through force and threats of force, performed commercial sex acts at both “in calls” at the W. Main Street residence, and “out calls.” Waddington transported the victims to “out calls.” Waddington, Mendoza, and Thomas utilized the website Skipthegames.com to entice customers for their sex trafficking scheme.
Waddington was also an organizer, leader, manager, and supervisor in Mendoza’s drug trafficking operation. She provided heroin and fentanyl, and methamphetamine to the victims, as well as Mendoza’s other drug customers. In October 2022, law enforcement stopped Waddington’s vehicle, which included Mendoza as a passenger. Waddington had an outstanding warrant and was arrested. Officers recovered methamphetamine on her person, as well as a bag of fentanyl on Mendoza’s person. On December 7, 2022, a search warrant was executed at the West Main Street residence, during which cash, drug paraphernalia, a semi-automatic pistol, and multiple plastic bags of narcotics were recovered.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino III, New York Field Division; and the Town of Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Ohnmeiss Jr.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This investigation is also assisted by the Western New York Human Trafficking Task Force, a multi-disciplinary task force that brings law enforcement and social service agencies together to identify and investigate human trafficking utilizing a victim centered and trauma informed response, was also part of this effort.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 13, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
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North Carolina man pleads guilty to his role in scheme that defrauded hundreds of companies out of millions of dollarsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nicholas Scarantino, 30, of North Carolina, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that Scarantino owned Direct Chemicals in the State of California. Between July and November 2021, he and others mailed thousands of fictitious invoices in the name of Direct Chemicals to victim companies located all over the United States. Approximately 873 victim companies were tricked and defrauded into paying these fictitious invoices, totaling of approximately $861,268.66. Several companies in the Western District of New York were victimized. The companies are located in Henrietta, Lakewood, Brockport, Andover, Rochester, Avon, Tonawanda, and Niagara Falls.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2025, before Judge Wolford.
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Palmyra man pleads guilty to production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that John C. Aldrich, IV, 54, of Palmyra, NY, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that law enforcement began investigating Aldrich in March 2024, after receiving information that he had engaged in the ongoing physical and sexual abuse of a minor victim in Palmyra, NY. Investigators recovered messages between Aldrich and the victim, which revealed that Aldrich had been involved in an ongoing pattern of abuse, during which he sexually abused the victim and produced child pornography. The abuse took place on a weekly basis over a period of more than one year, beginning when the victim was only 14 years old.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Acting Major Kevin Sucher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Rashaun Dix, 38, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Jacovetti, who is handling the case, stated that in 2021, the DEA and Niagara Falls Police began investigating the cocaine trafficking activities of a known individual operating in the Niagara Falls area. During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered some interactions between this individual and Dix. In March 2022, law enforcement learned that Dix told the individual that he had some “nu-nu,” and he wanted to see what he could do with it. Dix wanted the individual to help him cook the cocaine into crack. In April 2022, law enforcement, after learning that Dix arranged to meet another individual to purchase $15,000 worth of narcotics, began to conduct physical surveillance on Dix. When Dix met with the other individual, they were both taken into custody and law enforcement seized $15,028. Law enforcement then learned that Dix told his girlfriend to “put everything in the washer and flush it…in the washer with bleach,” “not answer the door, and call the lawyer.” At that time, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dix’s residence, recovering approximately 355 grams of cocaine, 22 grams of crack cocaine, and a digital scale.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nick Ligammari.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 14, 2025, before Judge Arcara.
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Former Rochester firefighter going to prison on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brett Marrapese, 32, of Irondequoit, NY, who was convicted of distribution and receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between January 2016, and June 13, 2023, Marrapese used a cell phone, laptop computer, an email account, and multiple social media and internet chat applications, including Omegle; Kik; Snapchat; and Instagram, to produce, receive, distribute, and possess child pornography. In total, Marrapese received more than 600 images of child pornography that he obtained from others via the internet. He also posed as a teenage boy causing minors to produce and send to him sexually explicit images of themselves. Some of the images that Marrapese distributed and received depicted violence against and sexual abuse of children, infants, and toddlers.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Irondequoit Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Peters, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Jamestown man going to prison for selling methRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mark R. Maio, 40, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2019, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Maio and co-defendant Brittany Dellahoy. During the search, law enforcement recovered quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and $2,036 in cash. Brittany Dellahoy was previously convicted and sentenced.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to making purchases on illicit online marketplace and cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Corey Robert Dodge a/k/a Cakesbaylor, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the cases, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.
Between March 26, 2020, and May 30, 2021, Dodge purchased 14 packages on Genesis Market, that included stolen account credentials. The stolen credentials included accounts for Paypal, Tracfone, eBay, Amazon, FedEx, Etsy, Walmart, Chase, Venmo, and eTrade. In addition, on April 3, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Dodge’s residence to search for evidence related to his use of Genesis Marketplace. During the search, the FBI also found and seized quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and drug paraphernalia.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to civil disorder and assaulting federal officersRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that JohnMichael Santiago, 25, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of civil disorder and assaulting a federal officer, was sentenced to serve 33 months by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that on September 4, 2020, following the release of information by the Rochester Police Department (RPD) regarding the death of Daniel Prude, a group of protesters damaged property and turned over tables at two restaurants in Rochester, causing numerous patrons to leave. During the evening of September 5, 2020, Santiago was part of a group of approximately 1,500 protesters that gathered at Broad Street and Exchange Boulevard, about a block north of RPD headquarters, where they blocked all lanes of traffic on nearby streets. Over the next few hours, some protesters hurled rocks, bottles, lit fireworks, and other objects at police officers in the area. Some also shined flashlights and pointed lasers at officers. Protesters were repeatedly asked to move onto the sidewalks and leave the area or be subject to arrest. Many disregarded the requests, remained in the streets, and continued to block traffic. Santiago threw an ignited firework in the direction of a line of uniformed RPD officers, which detonated in the immediate vicinity of the officers. Santiago was not arrested that night, but was later interviewed by law enforcement about the incident. Santiago admitted that he attended the protests, brought fireworks to the protests, and threw an ignited mortar-style firework at police officers.
While in custody at the Livingston County Jail, after being charged with civil disorder, Santiago assaulted two corrections officers, throwing a hard plastic cup at one, and striking the other in the face with his fist. Officers began to wrestle Santiago to secure him, during which one officer suffered contusions and a concussion, and a second suffered a back injury.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the United States Marshall’s Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to defrauding lending companies out of millions of dollars with dozens of stolen identitiesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Paul Paredes, 53, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that since 2013, Paredes has owned J&E Business Consulting LLC, which provides services to client businesses, including acting as a broker between the credit card processing companies and smaller retail businesses. Small businesses provide J&E with their financial information, such as the owner’s identifying information, including driver’s license, social security number, and email, as well as bank account information.
Between April 2019, and August 2023, Paredes submitted hundreds of fraudulent financing applications to dozens of lenders under the identities of his business customers (victims), for goods and services allegedly provided by Paredes, with the funds payable to bank accounts controlled by Paredes. These financing agreements were prepared in the names if victims, using their personal information, and without their knowledge, consent, or authorization. After a financing agreement was approved, money from the victim lender was deposited into one of numerous bank accounts controlled by Paredes, who used the money he obtained from the scheme to fund his personal expenses, pay salaries and operating expenses, or to make payments to victim lenders to avoid detection of the fraudulent loans. By making those payments to the victim lenders, Paredes was able to continue making similar fraudulent financing agreements with multiple victim lenders without discovery. To further avoid detection, on occasions when victims received communications from victim lenders about the fraudulent financing agreements, Paredes misled them about the purpose of the communications and told them he would handle it.
Paredes used the identity of at least 63 individuals to defraud at least 23 victim lenders, utilizing at least 12 different bank accounts and moving the money he obtained from the scheme throughout different accounts. Paredes submitted false loan applications from Rochester, NY, to the out-of-state lenders located throughout the country, including in New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Colorado, and Minnesota. The total loss amount is at least $3,500,000.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the New York State Department of Financial Services-Criminal Investigation Bureau, under the direction of Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 29, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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U.S. Attorney Ross appoints 2024 District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Bonanno has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of New York, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Ross said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
U.S. Attorney Ross stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Bonanno will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 716-843-5700.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 716-856-7800.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
U.S. Attorney Ross said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Jamestown man pleads guilty to meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Willie C. Graham, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of imprisonment of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on September 6, 2023, Jamestown Police officers initiated a traffic stop on a car that Graham was a passenger in. Officers located numerous items of drug paraphernalia in the car, as well as a quantity of fentanyl on Graham’s person.
On March 2, 2024, Graham was a passenger in a car that fled from law enforcement officers trying to conduct a traffic stop. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 11.6 grams of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia, and $1,134.00 cash.
On April 30, 2024, Jamestown Police officers located and arrested Graham. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 10 assorted bank and benefit cards, some of which were issued to individuals other than Graham, a quantity of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $185.
The plea is a result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Former postal manager who stole drugs from the mail sentenced on drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ralph Minni, 55, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that on multiple occasions between May 2018, and May 2, 2022, Minni used his position as the Greece Post Office station manager to take parcels containing controlled substances, such as marijuana, out of the mail stream and into his private office, remove the contents, and then return the empty packages back into the mail stream. Minni then transported the controlled substances to his residence, where he would store and redistribute the narcotics to other individuals. On three occasions in March and April of 2022, Minni distributed quantities of cocaine to a coworker, who then proceeded to snort the cocaine off Minni’s office desk in his presence. On May 2, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Minni’s residence during which investigators recovered quantities of marijuana, approximately 700 grams of cocaine, approximately 40 firearms, and over 19,000 rounds of ammunition. Minni was arrested that same day after leaving the Greece Post Office. Officers recovered a quantity of marijuana from inside his vehicle, which he had removed from a mailed package and planned to take back to his residence for subsequent sale and distribution.
The sentencing is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Modafferi; and the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. Additional assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Acting Troop Commander Kevin Sucher.
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Prior felon charged with gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Derrel Austin, 46, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in October 1995 and October 2009, Austin was convicted of multiple felony charges in Erie County Court, including kidnapping and manslaughter. On February 17, 2022, New York State Parole and Niagara Falls Police officers went to Austin’s residence to conduct a home visit. Officers knocked and announced for several minutes. During this time, an individual, later determined to be Austin, was seen exiting the residence onto the fire escape carrying several bags, which were left on the fire escape. A short time later, Austin went back inside the residence and opened his apartment door for officers. Wearing a bathrobe, Austin claimed that it took him so long to answer the door because he was in the shower. During the execution of the parole search, officers recovered the bags from the fire escape, which contained suspected cocaine, suspected fentanyl, suspected Suboxone, and drug paraphernalia, a handgun, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Investigators also noted that the shower in the residence was dry.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Chemere Barclay, 32, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that between August 17, 2023, and January 5, 2024, investigators with the New York State Police and the Lackawanna Police Department conducted seven controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Barclay.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Henry Ford, 37, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that in April 2024, a search warrant was executed on Ford’s person and at Ford’s Erb Street residence. Investigators recovered a loaded handgun from Ford’s pocket. Subsequent investigation revealed the handgun was reported stolen from Georgia in September 2019. During the search of Erb’s residence, investigators recovered a second firearm and ammunition. That firearm was reported stolen in the City of Buffalo in March 2024. In October 2008, Ford was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Buffalo man going to prison on cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tremaine Jacobs a/k/a Teeter a/k/a T, 51, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of attempt to possess, with intent to distribute, cocaine, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that on May 16, 2020, law enforcement learned that a package containing $7,000 worth of cocaine had been sent to Jacobs. That same day, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized a package addressed to 542 Goodyear Avenue, a residence associated with Jacobs. The package contained 248 grams of cocaine. On May 30, 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence at 533 Goodyear Avenue, where investigators recovered approximately 16 ounces of suspected marijuana, approximately $10,507 in US currency, and jewelry.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia.
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Allegany County man charged by criminal complaint with multiple child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Andrew Klos, 19, of Belfast, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 60 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Rudroff, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on July 25, 2024, the FBI National Threat Operations Center received an online tip regarding Klos. Subsequent investigation determined that Klos, using the online app “YesIChat,” was in an online relationship with Victim 1, a 13 year old living in Texas, for approximately six months. During those six months, Klos sent sexually explicit videos and photographs, multiple times a week. Klos also asked Victim 1 to produce sexual content with a younger girl, and with animals. The victim produced numerous sexually explicit images of herself at Klos’ direction, and sent them to Klos using the YesIChat platform.
Klos made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Prior felon pleads guilty to multiple drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Nader Ngoopos a/k/a Nike, 25, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that between 2016, and late 2018, Ngoopos agreed with others to obtain cocaine and heroin in the Buffalo area and travel to Olean, NY, to distribute the cocaine and heroin. Ngoopos personally traveled to Olean on at least a weekly basis, selling cocaine and heroin out of various locations in Olean, including North 8th Street and South 11th Street. Co-conspirators also sold cocaine and heroin as part of the conspiracy on a weekly basis.
On October 15, 2018, Ngoopos participated in an armed robbery at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, with two others. The three gained entry to a dormitory at St. Bonaventure, and broke into a dorm room where Ngoopos, who possessed a firearm, believed he and his co-conspirators would find marijuana and money. Once they gained entry, Ngoopos and his co-conspirators pointed their firearms at the heads of the two occupants of the dorm room, threatened them, and then stole about an ounce of marijuana and approximately $300 - $400.
On September 2, 2021, law enforcement officers observed Ngoopos get into a vehicle in Buffalo. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it sped away leading officers on a high-speed chase. Eventually, the car came to a stop on East Amherst Street. As the car came to a stop, Ngoopos got out of the car and ran away, dropping a pistol. In June 2020, Ngoopos was convicted in Cattaraugus County Court of a felony and legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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Genesee County man charged with possession of machinegunsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Peter Celentano, of Bergen, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of machineguns, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 29, 2024, the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF, executed a search warrant at Celentano’s Rochester Street residence. During the search, investigators recovered two 3D printed pistol frames, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition reloading equipment, an AR 80% style Jig and drill, a drill press, and various other tools related to the manufacturing of firearms. In addition, investigators also searched two properties associated with Celentano in Lyndonville, NY, and an apartment on East Avenue in Medina, NY, recovering numerous AR-style lower receivers, 3D printed handguns, and additional firearm parts and accessories. Approximately 59 of the AR-style receivers contained a “third pin hole,” qualifying them as machine guns.
On October 9, 2024, a dive team searched the Erie Canal beneath the Beals Road bridge in Medina. A cardboard box was located and retrieved from the bottom of the canal. Inside were 10 AR-style receivers, an unmarked handgun, magazines, and additional firearm parts.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Stanley Edwards, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr., and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal grand jury indicts Jamestown man on sex trafficking and drug chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Dwayne Lowery aka Chi Chi, 29, of Jamestown, NY, with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force and coercion, sex trafficking by force and coercion, kidnapping, narcotics conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and using and maintaining a drag-involved premises. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donna M. Duncan and Joshua A. Violanti, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between October and December 2022, Lowery conspired with others to coerce individuals to engage in commercial sex acts. Specifically, Lowery forced an individual to engage in a commercial sex act. In addition, between October and November 2023, Lowery kidnapped two individuals.
The indictment also accuses Lowery of conspiring with others to sell and selling fentanyl, using a W. Cowden Place residence in Jamestown for his drug trafficking activities.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, and the Olean Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Ron Richardson.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo man sentenced for buying stolen data from Genesis MarketRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wul Isaac Chol, 27, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that Genesis Market is an online marketplace whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin. Between June 2019, and January 2021, Chol deposited approximately $105.08 worth of bitcoin in a Genesis account that he had created. Chol used the funds he deposited in his Genesis account to purchase 21 packages of unauthorized access devices. Those packages contained, in total, approximately 778 unauthorized access devices. In addition, Chol admits that he obtained, without authorization, $25,164.00 from the New York State Department of Labor.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
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Buffalo man pleads guilty to bilking two banks out of nearly half a million dollarsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Joshua Parra, 32, formerly of Buffalo, NY, now living in Melbourne, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that between December 28, 2021, and January 6, 2022, Parra defrauded Bancorp and Stride Bank by creating 94 fictitious disputed transactions on behalf of 11 customers of Fintech Company 1, a financial technology company that offers customers mobile banking services. However, none of the 11 customers’ accounts with Fintech Company 1 had transactions that would justify such disputes. Nearly all of the fictitious disputed transactions were in the amount of $5,000. As a result, funds were transferred from settlement accounts, held at Bancorp and Stride Bank, to accounts maintained by the Fintech Company 1 customers for whom Parra created the fictitious disputed transactions. Losses to Bancorp and Stride Bank totaled approximately $459,000.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Miraglia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Lancaster man sentenced for COVID relief fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Larry Jordan, 45, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud for his participation in a scheme to file fraudulent loan applications seeking forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, joined the announcement.
According to court documents, between April and September 2020, Jordan and his brother Sutukh El a/k/a Curtis Jordan a/k/a Hugo Hurt a/k/a Hugo Hermes Hurtington, conspired to submit eight fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of companies they owned or controlled. Three of the applications were submitted to Evolve Bank & Trust and the other five were submitted to Lendio, a financial technology company based in Utah. The applications contained false statements about the 2019 payroll expenses of each company, which were used to calculate the amount of PPP funds to which the applicant-companies would be entitled. To corroborate the applications, Jordan and El submitted IRS forms, which had never been filed with the IRS, as well as fraudulent payroll registers that purported to identify the names, personal information, and salary of the employees identified on the PPP applications.
For example, a PPP loan application was submitted on behalf of 5 Stems Inc to Evolve. The application represented that in 2019, 5 Stems Inc had 194 employees and an average monthly payroll of $242,133.33. In truth, 5 Stems Inc had nine employees in 2019 and paid those employees a total of approximately $57,380 for all of 2019. Evolve approved the application and funded a $605,200 loan. The money was deposited into an account controlled by defendant El. Some of the money was used for the defendants’ own investments, as well as personal expenses and home improvements.
Sutukh El was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Kruly and Grace Carducci for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo Police detective for purchases made on illicit online marketplace and making false statements to the FBIRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Terrance Michael Ciszek a/k/a DrMonster, 34, of Buffalo, NY, with possession of unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud and making a false statement to an agency of the United States, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the cases, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.
According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, between March 16 and July 29, 2020, Ciszek, a Buffalo Police Detective, purchased 11 packages on Genesis Market that included 194 stolen account credentials. Investigators also determined that Ciszek had bitcoin wallet addresses associated with UniCC, a dark web carding website. Carding websites are illicit marketplaces and/or forums used to share stolen credit card data and discuss techniques for obtaining credit card data, validating it, and using it for criminal activity. On April 15, 2020, Ciszek recorded a video explaining to others how he anonymized his identity on the internet when purchasing stolen credit cards, and described his use of UniCC. In the video, he stated, among other things, “And then I usually get my credit cards from UniCC, which is an amazing place if you guys don’t have it.
On April 4, 2023, Ciszek is accused of making false statements to the FBI, claiming that he had not purchased stolen credentials from the internet, and further stating that his nephew may have been responsible for the online purchase of stolen credentials.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Avon, NY, police trainee charged with attempted kidnapping, cyberstalking, and multiple child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Casey Medina, 33, of Rochester, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with attempted kidnapping, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, cyberstalking, and aiding and abetting. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2024, the Onondaga County, NY, Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a 31-year-old female (victim), who reported that she had been receiving text messages from unknown numbers that included photographs depicting her face superimposed on various pornographic images made to appear as if she had been engaging in sexual acts. In addition, the victim reported being threatened by the unknown numbers, including being kidnapped, raped, sexually abused and/or killed. In August 2024, the victim indicated to investigators that the text messages in May occurred over the course of approximately 26 days, and, after short break, continued sporadically through June and July 2024. The victim stated that the messages were becoming very concerning, and she had no idea who they were coming from.
Also in August 2024, law enforcement received a tip from an individual that he had communicated with another individual with username “crcdal” via social media. The other individual, later identified as Medina, was looking for someone to help to harass the victim. Medina provided the individual with the victim’s personal information, including her place of employment, home address, personal cell phone number, and a variety of photos. The individual provided law enforcement with several screenshots of communications with Medina, which included discussions of abducting, drugging, and raping the victim. An undercover law enforcement officer then began communicating with Media online, during which they also discussed abducting, drugging, and raping the victim.
On August 22, 2024, Medina was an Avon Police Department trainee, and was arrested by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office at the Rural Police Training Academy in Livingston County on multiple state charges. Investigators executed a search warrant on Medina’s cell phone and recovered the communications discussing the abduction, drugging, and raping of the victim as well as images and videos of child pornography that Medina shared online.
The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Onondaga County, NY, Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Tobias Shelley, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Six defendants arrested in retail theft ring, charged with stealing and selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandiseRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that six defendants were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, transportation and sale of stolen goods in interstate commerce, money laundering, and conspiracy, for their roles in a retail theft ring in the Rochester, NY, area. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Named in the complaint are:
• Shabon Banks, 41
• Amanda Reeves, 40
• Chad Lewis, Jr., 20
• Chanc Lewis, 22
• Dominic Sprague, 40
• James Civiletti, 33, all of Rochester, NY.
Defendant Shabon Banks is also charged with aggravated identity theft.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, in November 2023, the Greece Police Department began an investigation after it became aware that serial larcenist, Shabon Banks, had been engaged in an unusually large number of transactions at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop in Greece. The investigation uncovered a theft ring involving defendants Banks, Reeves, Lewis, Jr., and Lewis (the larcenists), who have been engaged in an ongoing retail theft conspiracy involving the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop and its operators, defendants Sprague and Civiletti, since December 2021. As part of the scheme, the larcenists stole new-in-box items from store shelves, which they then sold to Sprague, Civiletti, and others at the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop, for a fraction of the actual retail value. Sprague and Civiletti then resold the stolen merchandise on eBay at much higher prices, resulting in significant profits for the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop. The merchandise was stolen from various stores including Home Depot, Target, Lowes, Walmart, and Kohls.
Since December 7, 2021, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop has purchased 37,936 new-in-box items from the larcenists on more than 670 occasions, paying the larcenists $290,000.00. The investigation determined that the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop paid the larcenists 30% of the actual retail value of the stolen items. Therefore, the actual losses to the victim-retailers and resulting profit to the New York Gold Diamond Pawn Shop are estimated to be much higher.
Sprague and Civiletti engaged in multiple financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraud in violation of federal money laundering statutes. In total, between January 2022, and August 7, 2024, the New York Gold Diamond Pawn shop resold more than 48,000 new-in-box items via eBay for $2,467.847.46, the majority of which are believed to have been stolen.
The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso, the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Toronto man pleads guilty to firearms trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jeshua Lion Myers a/k/a Dually, 29, a citizen of Canada, the United States, and the Bahamas, residing in Toronto, Canada, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that in December 2023, Myers told an undercover law enforcement officer that he could travel to Florida to acquire firearms from various stores and websites, and then arranged to bring those firearms to the Western District of New York with the belief that the undercover officer could illegally smuggle those firearms into Canada to a co-conspirator. On December 20, 2023, Myers met with the undercover officer in Buffalo and provided 19 firearms in exchange for $33,000. Several of the firearms were semi-automatic firearms capable of accepting a high-capacity magazine. Myers also provided assorted magazines, including high-capacity magazines, ammunition, and other weapons components. On February 13, 2024, Myers provided approximately 110 additional firearms to undercover law enforcement officers.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Ontario Provincial Police. Additional Assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Miami, Florida.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2025, before Judge Sinatra.
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Tonawanda man arrested, charged with distribution and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Trevor Knapp, 32, of Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in April 2024, a 17-year-old minor female contacted the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department stating that she was being harassed by a 32-year-old male named Tyler Knapp online. The minor victim met Knapp in 2020, when she was 13-years-old, on a website called, “mylol,” a friend finding website that she no longer uses. As the two began communicating, the conversations became sexual in nature. Knapp sent sexually explicit videos of himself to the minor victim. He also asked that she send naked images of herself, but she declined. However, the minor victim would get out of the shower naked while the two were video chatting and Knapp would screen capture an image of her. The two also messaged through Google Chat and Knapp utilized multiple Google email accounts. The minor victim, who was uncomfortable with how he was talking, would delete or block Knapp but he would utilize a new account to regain contact. Knapp also located the minor victim’s Instagram account and messaged her on that platform as well. The minor victim advised Knapp multiple times of her real age.
The minor victim requested for months that Knapp leave her alone, stating that she had a boyfriend. Knapp then requested images of the minor victim and her boyfriend having sex. He also sent her a naked image of a second minor victim, a female living in Pennsylvania. The two minor victims began communicating, and the second minor victim described Knapp as “the pedophile.” Subsequent investigation traced Knapp back to the Western District of New York.
On October 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Knapp’s residence, during which investigators seized his cell phone. A preliminary search recovered a sexually explicit video that included Knapp and the first minor victim.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Flagstaff, Arizona Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Connolly, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Stauffiger, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Russian woman charged with attacking CBP officerRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Olesia Sumina, 43, of Russia, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assault on a federal officer, which carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 9, 2024, Sumina traveled to Canada with her two children to file an asylum claim. The claim was refused by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which resulted in Sumina being driven by CBSA to the Peace Bridge Point of Entry. CBSA officers informed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers that Sumina became difficult to deal with during transport and that she had spit inside their vehicle.
CBP officers attempted to interview Sumina utilizing a language translation application but were unsuccessful. Sumina was uncooperative throughout the interview and was also reluctant to provide her personal information. As officers attempted to gain access to Sumina’s cellular telephone, she grabbed the phone and quickly put it in her pocket. As officers attempted to retrieve the phone, Sumina quickly became aggressive towards them. As they attempted to render control, Sumina grabbed their shirts and scratched and dug into one officer’s wrists and left hand. Following the altercation, medical aid was administered to the officer’s wounds from the altercation by a colleague before she was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to secretly recording minor victim in showerRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Gregory M. Brooks, 53, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in February 2021, Brooks secretly placed a video camera in a bathroom where he knew that a Minor Victim showered. He positioned the camera to capture naked videos of the Minor Victim entering and exiting the shower. Between February 2021, and August 31, 2023, Brooks received and stored the videos of child pornography captured by the video camera on his cellular telephone.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Wood.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2025, before Judge Geraci.
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Jamaican woman sentenced for passport fraudRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Maria Josephine Wright-Lawrence, 34, a Jamaican citizen, who was convicted of false use of a passport, was sentenced to serve nine months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that on January 4, 2024, Wright-Lawrence and another individual arrived at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry from Canada at around 11:30 p.m. attempting to enter the United States. While at primary inspection, a Customs and Border Protection officer interviewed the two to determine their status and their ability to legally enter the United States. Wright-Lawrence provided the CBP officer with a United States Passport, with the purported name “K.E.M,” and stated she was a U.S. Citizen living in the state of Texas. The CBP officer noticed that the photograph on the passport was blurry and altered, and observed that Wright-Lawrence was acting nervous, and avoided making eye contact. Wright-Lawrence and the other individual were referred to secondary inspection for further questioning. During secondary inspection, another CBP officer examined the passport and confirmed that it had been forged and altered. Further investigation by confirmed that the passport had been stolen in Kingston, Jamaica, and belonged to “K.E.M.,” not Wright-Lawrence. Her fingerprints also confirmed her true identity was Maria Josephine Wright-Lawrence, a Jamaican citizen not legally permitted to enter the United States. A search of the vehicle also recovered several identification cards with Maria Josephine Wright-Lawrence’s real name and photograph.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
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Federal jury convicts retired DEA agent of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to distribute controlled substancesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that a federal jury has convicted retired Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Joseph Bongiovanni, 60, of Tonawanda, NY, of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, four counts of obstruction of justice, and one count of false statement to law enforcement. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 year in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“The prosecution of law enforcement officers and public officials are the most difficult cases that are undertaken by prosecutors,” stated U.S. Attorney Ross. “However, these verdicts show that no one is above the law, not even a federal agent.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia stated, “Federal agents hold a significant amount of authority and trust to keep American people safe. Therefore, when the FBI learns of allegations including bribery, obstruction of justice, and lying to investigators, a rigorous investigation unfolds. Our investigation, re-enforced by the jury’s verdict, found that former DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni chose greed over integrity. The FBI continues to execute our duties to the highest level of ethical and moral values. We remain steadfast in aggressively investigating and bringing those who misuse their authority to justice.”
“I want to commend the HSI special agents, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for the tremendous work and countless hours expended to achieve a successful outcome in this case,” said Erin Keegan, HSI Buffalo Special-Agent-in Charge. “While Bongiovanni’s actions undermined and compromised law enforcement efforts throughout the area, his actions are not, in any way, a reflection of the thousands of DEA agents or law enforcement officers who serve this nation and community with honor and integrity.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi, Nicholas T Cooper, and Casey L. Chalbeck, who are handling the case, stated that between 1998 and February 1, 2019, Bongiovanni served as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. From 2001 until his retirement, he was assigned to the Buffalo Resident Office. Bongiovanni used his position as a DEA special agent to defraud the DEA, an agency that is a part of the Department of Justice and the Executive Branch of the United States government, by violating his oath to the United States Constitution and duty to enforce the drug laws of the United States. As a part of his agreement to defraud the United States in violation of his oath and duty, and as part of his agreement to accept bribes, Bongiovanni protected his friends, associates, and individuals he believed were members or associates of Italian Organized Crime in Buffalo, from investigation, arrest, and prosecution. In particular, Bongiovanni provided Michael Masecchia, a former Buffalo School teacher with connections to Italian Organized Crime, and others involved in the distribution of substantial quantities of marijuana, cocaine, and fentanyl pills, by providing law enforcement sensitive information about the existence of investigations, the identities of informants, and about sensitive law enforcement techniques and tactics. As part of his protection and in furtherance of his conspiracy to defraud the DEA, Bongiovanni opened a case file within the DEA, which he then used to obtain to ensure that other state and local law enforcement agencies, and federal agents, would defer the investigation of the individuals that the defendant was protecting to the defendant. Bongiovanni also used the DEA case file to enter information pertaining to drug traffickers he was protecting into deconfliction databases in order to alert himself if any other members of law enforcement were investigating coconspirators Bongiovanni was protecting.
Relatedly, Bongiovanni was convicted of obstruction of justice and making materially false statements to an agent of the United States for preparing false and fraudulent official DEA memoranda, and making false statements to agents investigating Bongiovanni, to conceal his relationship with Peter Gerace Jr., an individual who was under investigation by the DEA, and others for drug trafficking and related offenses.
Michael Masecchia was previously convicted and sentenced to serve seven years in prison. Peter Gerace Jr. is awaiting trial. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ryan T. Geach, Northeast Region. The Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti also assisted in the investigation.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 9, 2025, before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo who presided over the trial of the case.
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Three men charged with stealing mailRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Michael Robinson, 32, Lamor Runell Bolden, 26, and Antonio Jones, Jr., 24, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy and theft of mail, which carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, late during the overnight of October 1 into October 2, 2024, investigators were conducting surveillance of the Cayuga Road Post Office. At approximately 1:30 a.m. on October 2, 2024, law enforcement observed a dark-colored SUV enter the driveway from Cayuga Road and drive up to the blue mailboxes outside the post office. The vehicle stopped immediately adjacent to the back side of the mailboxes, rather than on the front side, which contains the drop slots for customers. The back side of each mailbox contains the locked U.S. Postal Service access door for employees to remove customer mail for processing. Law enforcement then observed two individuals exit the vehicle, approach the back side of the mailboxes, where one of the two appeared to use a key to access the mailboxes and remove the contents. The other individual appeared to act as a sort of “lookout.” The two then got back in the vehicle and left the area.
Law enforcement continued to observe the vehicle, which was later intercepted by Cheektowaga Police, and a traffic stop was initiated. There were three individuals in the vehicle, including defendants Robinson, Bolden, and Jones. There was a substantial amount of mail in the vehicle, some sealed and some open, and an arrow key.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester woman convicted of drug related charge by a federal jury going to prisonRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Danielle Hampton, 51, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of maintaining a drug-involved premises following a jury trial, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn M. Hartford and Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in September 2021, members of the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET) began investigating the drug trafficking activities at 304 Adams Street in Rochester. During the investigation, investigators made controlled purchases of cocaine from the residence. On November 18, 2021, a search warrant was executed at the residence, during which investigators encountered Hampton inside. During the search, a loaded firearm, approximately 9 grams of crack cocaine, $571.00 in cash, and drug paraphernalia was recovered from the residence. Two children were present during the search. Hampton was taken into custody at that time.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (GRANET), which includes Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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Jamestown felon going to prison on gun chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Steven Glover, Sr., 41, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that on the morning of December 14, 2022, a Jamestown Police officer observed Glover in a vehicle. The officer knew that Glover was suspended from driving. The officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with Glover, who immediately advised that he had a pipe on his person. Glover then handed over a glass pipe that contained what appeared to be methamphetamine residue inside. Glover was detained and a search of the vehicle recovered a digital scale with white crystal residue and a pistol. Glover was charged in New York State Court and released on bail. In 2019, Glover was convicted of a felony in Chautauqua County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
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Rochester man going to prison for his role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Dante Bolling, 25, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that between August 2020, and August 25, 2022, Bolling conspired with others to sell quantities of cocaine in the Rochester area. On August 25, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Bolling’s Mayflower Street residence, seizing approximately 66 grams of cocaine and drug trafficking paraphernalia, That same day, Bolling, knowing that he was an unlawful user of marijuana, possessed a firearm and ammunition.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division
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North Tonawanda man going to prison for 14 years for his role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Johnny Williams, 32, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper and Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that between June and October 2021, Williams conspired with others, including Lairon Graham, to sell fentanyl and crack cocaine from a residence on Liddell Street in Buffalo. While doing so, Williams possessed a firearm on multiple occasions. In August 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Davey Street residence in Buffalo, which was also used by members of the conspiracy to sell fentanyl and crack cocaine. During the search, investigators recovered approximately 44 grams of fentanyl, approximately 37 grams of crack cocaine, approximately $2,500 cash, and assorted drug paraphernalia. In March 2022, Williams a semi-automatic pistol to fire multiple gunshots at an individual, striking the victim in the upper arm. The Government contends that the shooting was intended to discourage another person from providing information to law enforcement about the narcotics conspiracy. Williams contends that was not his motivation for firing gunshots at the victim.
Lairon Graham was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 264 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Gummo; and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard.
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Niagara Falls woman sentenced for her role in debt collection schemeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Erica Lounsberry, 37, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that between January 2014 and February 2017, Lounsberry conspired with others in the activities of supposed debt collection agencies, which operated under various names, including Lakeside Mediations, Lincoln Mediation, Valentine Legal Mediation, First Point Mediation, State Filing and Legal Services, and Elite Services. As a manager for these operations, Lounsberry directed and trained other employees, including those who placed calls to “debtors,” those who posed as attorneys during the calls, and those who provided the “debtors” with payment instructions. Lounsberry and the employees she managed placed telephone calls to thousands of “debtors” throughout the United States, and used various fraudulent tactics and misrepresentations to induce the “debtors” to make payments, including using false identities, making false threats that debtors would be arrested, and making false claims that criminal charges would be filed against the “debtors.” The “debtors” were eventually directed to employees posing as attorneys, and were provided with payment instructions, supposedly to settle their outstanding debts. Lounsberry and others routinely collected money from “debtors” from whom they had already collected payment, deemed to be “easy targets.” “Debtors” were instructed to make payment through various means, including MoneyGram payments, bank wire transfers, and debit/credit card payments. Between February 2015, and December 2016, Lounsberry and those she managed collected approximately $2,103,105.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Fattorusso; the United States Postal Service Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward; and the New York State, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General Catherine Lucy Lang.
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Jamestown man going to prison for his role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tyler Tedesco, 28, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Tedesco was a drug trafficking associate of co-defendant Rocco Beardsley, who led a drug trafficking organization in the Jamestown area. Tedesco sold large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl for profit, collected drug money, stored drugs and profits, and coordinated with co-conspirators to sell methamphetamine and heroin. During the conspiracy, Tedesco and Beardsley used Facebook to communicate about their narcotics activities including debts, cash and drug transactions, supplies, and paraphernalia.
Rocco Beardsley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.
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Greece man going to prison for illegally selling hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen goodsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Tony Orlando Camacho a/k/a Anthony Camacho, 48, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of transportation of goods in stolen commerce, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas M. Testani and Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that between January 2021, and July 25, 2022, Camacho purchased stolen goods and merchandise from persons that he knew were engaged in unlawful shoplifting (commonly referred to as “boosters”) from Rochester area retail stores. Once the goods were stolen, boosters would sell the stolen, new in box goods to Camacho for a fraction of the true retail value. After purchasing the stolen goods, Camacho would then list the stolen goods for sale on eBay using the account, Ton.Camac. The goods were advertised as “New” or “New-In-Box” and priced below retail value, although the price was well in excess of the money paid to the boosters. Camacho sold and shipped, or caused to be shipped, between $249,246.33 and $469,246.42 worth of stolen goods.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Amherst woman pleads guilty to threatening a witnessRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jessica Leyland, 37, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to witness retaliation, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2019, Leyland approached an individual (Victim) at a bar in Buffalo, NY, and asked if she could speak with the Victim. The Victim agreed and then Leyland accused the Victim of “talking to the feds” and threatened to “(expletive) kill” the Victim. Leyland then placed the Victim in a headlock, causing bodily injury. Leyland ultimately had to be physically separated from the Victim by employees at the bar.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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Rochester business owner pleads guilty to filing a false tax returnRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that James Leonardo, 56, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, to filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that Leonardo is the sole member and owner of MY PI, LLC. The company owns a 110-foot yacht named “Pure Insanity,” which resulted in rental income for MY PI, LLC. Leonardo was required to report net profits or losses from the business use of the yacht on his personal federal income tax returns. For the years 2015 through 2018, Leonardo reported the rental income received by MY PI, LLC. However, to reduce the taxes owed, he falsely deducted all the losses incurred with respect to operation and maintenance by falsely claiming that the yacht was used 100% of the time for business purposes. In actuality, the yacht was only used for business purposes one-third of the time. As a result, Leonardo was only entitled to deduct one-third of the losses generated for operation and maintenance. As a result, he failed to report and pay additional income taxes totaling $872,869 for 2015 through 2018.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Thomas Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office, and the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General’s, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, Northeast Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Jamestown man arrested on meth chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Raymond Medina, 19, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a 1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the evening of February 28, 2024, Jamestown Police officers were dispatched to an 8th Street residence for a domestic incident involving Medina. The resident living at the residence has a valid order of protection against Medina from Jamestown City Court. Medina is known to the Jamestown Police Department from several past incidents, which led to the imposition of officer safety alerts. An officer made contact with Medina, who immediately became argumentative and began to back away. The officer attempted to detain him, but Medina pulled away and the officer grabbed his hooded sweater and advised him to stop pulling away. Medina refused, yelling “I don’t got nothing bro.” Medina then pulled away and fled on foot. As a result, the officer deployed his taser with negative results. Officers tracked Medina a short time later and took him into custody. Along the route that Media fled, officers recovered a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, packaged for individual sale.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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California woman charged with international parental kidnapping after attempting to flee to Canada with 12-year-old-daughterRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Mei Tian, 55, of Irvine, CA, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with international parental kidnapping and making a false statement to Customs and Border Protection officers. The charges carry a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the evening of September 27, 2024, Tian and her 12-year- old daughter were riding in an Uber vehicle, and attempted to make entry into Canada, but were refused because an officer had suspicions related to Tian’s admissibility as a visitor. She presented a letter indicating that she had permission from her husband to bring her daughter to Canada, but the officer questioned the authenticity of the letter and believed the signature on it was forged. As a result, Tian and her daughter re-entered the United States at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls, NY. Customs and Border Protection primary queries returned a positive alert, with records indicating that Tian had no legal right to take her daughter out of the country. The vehicle was referred to secondary for additional processing. During secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered several alert records related to Tian and her daughter. One indicated that Tian’s daughter was prohibited by court order from departing the United States, and that Tian and her daughter had been “on the run” since August 2024 and were not supposed to leave Orange County, California, without court approval.
Tian and her daughter were traveling with multiple pieces of luggage and multiple travel documents, including a U.S. Passport, a People’s Republic of China Passport, several cancelled People’s Republic of China passports, an Orange County Certificate of Live Birth, and a handwritten letter with a signature and notarized in the name of the father that purportedly gave permission to Tian to travel out of the country with her daughter.
Subsequent investigation determined that once in Canada, Tian was allegedly planning to travel to China with her daughter. In addition, investigators learned that the Riverside County, California, District Attorney’s Office was investigating the abduction of Tian’s daughter, and that the daughter’s father is the sole custodian of the minor child. The daughter was on a visitation with Tian, and was scheduled to be returned to her father on August 11, 2024, but was never returned.
Tian made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and is being held pending a detention hearing on October 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement and Security Task Force (Best), under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Rochester man with gun and fentanyl sentenced to 10 years prisonRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Jaomi Delgado, 31, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that on May 18, 2022, law enforcement observed Delgado, who had been under investigation for months, drive into a parking on Norton Street in Rochester and enter a restaurant. Investigators observed a firearm in plain view near the center console of Delgado’s vehicle. He was taken into custody as he exited the restaurant. Delgado’s vehicle was towed and searched. During the execution of a search warrant, officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun, 60 fentanyl pills, four cell phones, and $17,875.00 in cash.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
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Rochester man sentenced for stealing mail using stolen postal keyRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Legend Terrance Davis, 21, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of United States Postal Service key and theft of mail, was sentenced to serve three years’ probation to include six months home detention, and 50 hours of community service, by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that in October 2023, Davis unlawfully possessed a United States Postal Service key, which had been stolen from a mail carrier. On October 1 and October 2, 2023, Davis, and others, used the stolen key to steal mail from mailboxes near the Brighton Station Post Office on N. Winton Road, near the Greece Post Office on Latta Road, and near the Jefferson Road Post Office on Jefferson Road, all in Rochester, NY.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Rochester man pleads guilty to purchases made on illicit online marketplaceRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Brandon Hall, 23, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that since August 2018, the FBI has been investigating an illicit online marketplace known as Genesis Market, whose operators compile stolen data, such as computer and mobile device identifiers, email addresses, usernames, and passwords, from malware-infected computers around the globe and package it for sale on the market. Purchases made through Genesis Market are conducted using virtual currency, such as bitcoin.
Between November 2019, and February 2021, Hall deposited approximately $224.50 worth of bitcoin in a Genesis account that he had created, using an account he maintained at Coinbase to fund these transactions. Hall used the funds he deposited in his Genesis account to 12 packages containing approximately 1,146 unauthorized access devices.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2024, before Judge Geraci.
Niagara Falls woman pleads guilty to fentanyl charge involving overdose deathRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Ranique Davis, 31, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl, was sentenced to time served and three years’ probation by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who handled the case, stated that on April 22, 2021, the Lockport Police and Fire Departments responded to a 911 call at a South Street residence and found Davis’s mother and stepfather, both unconscious and unresponsive. and suffering from fentanyl overdoses. Davis’s stepfather was revived with Narcan and survived. First responders attempted lifesaving treatment on Davis’s mother, but she could not be revived and was pronounced deceased. The cause of death was determined to be acute fentanyl intoxication. Earlier in the evening, Davis communicated with her stepfather by cell phone and agreed to provide blue Percocet pills. After exchanging messages, Davis and two co-conspirators drove to the South Street residence and sold Davis’s stepfather four fake Percocet pills from the conspirators, which were shared with Davis’s mother. The fake Percocet pills contained fentanyl. A short time later, Davis’s stepfather and mother ingested the pills and both lost consciousness.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, and the Lockport Police department, under the direction of Chief Steven Abbott.
Jamestown man pleads guilty to his role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Charles Lawson a/k/a Charley Marley, 34, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Intravatola and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, stated that between January and March 2020, Lawson conspired with others to sell heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Lawson was a close associate of Rocco Beardsley and actively assisted Beardsley’s drug trafficking activities. Lawson used Facebook to advertise and sell Beardsley’s heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and he received narcotics for personal use from Beardsley as compensation for his services. On January 23, 2020, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Beardsley and Lawson participated in the purchase. Beardsley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
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